Have you ever wondered what the editing process is like for indie authors? Look no further!
In this episode, Emilie sits down with longtime editor—and newly published author—Jo Abbott, whose work behind the scenes has helped shape some of the most beloved stories in the JAFF community. From editing for authors like Lory Lilian, Jennifer Altman, and Laura Moretti, to navigating the intricacies of historical accuracy (goodbye, Americanisms!), Jo shares what it really takes to bring a Pride and Prejudice variation to life.
We talk about the different types of edits, how budget impacts the process, and what it's like working in a genre where readers know almost every line of the original text. Jo also shares what pushed her to finally publish her own debut novel, Disarmed, and how it feels to see her name on the front of a book after years of editing from behind the scenes.
Other topics we cover:
Why forced marriage is her favorite trope
The impact of AI in the editing world (and beyond)
A few hints at what she might publish next 👀
Whether you’re a JAFF fan, an aspiring author, or just love hearing how your favorite books come together, this episode is a must-listen.
🎵 Music Credit:
Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.
📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!
➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!
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Suddenly Mrs Darcy - By Jenetta James
We're continuing our recent trend of forced marriage scenarios with Jenetta James' delightful story, Suddenly Mrs. Darcy (one of Sharon's all-time favorite books!)
We get into:
Why this trope is such a fan favorite (and why it sometimes makes people deeply uncomfortable)
Whether this version of Elizabeth is being true to character (or just stupidly stubborn)
The depiction of Georgiana (and what is or isn't cannon!)
Plus: Which Austen heroine are YOU most like? (Sharon says she's a Jane Bennet — what about you?)
If you’re in the mood for a softer Darcy, good banter, and some disagreements over cannon, this one’s for you!
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and let us know what you thought of the book! 👇
🎵 Music Credit:
Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.
📚 Curious what we’ll be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!
➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!
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Author Interview: J Dawn King
This week we’re joined by a true gem in the JAFF world: J. Dawn King herself (also known as Joy D. King and Christie Capps)!
Throughout the episode, Joy reflects on the vibrant JAFF community, the unexpected joys of becoming a writer, and the incredible story of how a doctor’s advice after a stroke led to a whole new life as a beloved author with over 30 books to her name. We also get a tease for Joy’s most ambitious project yet: a sweeping Mediterranean treasure hunt that brings together Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bennet in a globe-trotting, clue-solving adventure inspired by movies like National Treasure and Indiana Jones.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, you’ll walk away with a fresh appreciation for the heart behind these beloved variations, and maybe a little bit of inspiration to write your own!
🎵 Music Credit:
Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.
📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!
➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!
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Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins's Widow - By Timothy Underwood
How do you build a relationship when the past won’t leave you alone?
This week on The Pride and Prejudice Book Club, Emilie and Sharon discuss Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins’s Widow by Timothy Underwood, a variation that explores Elizabeth Bennet’s emotional healing after a traumatic early marriage to an awful Mr. Collins. When she becomes a widow and takes over Longbourn, Elizabeth isn’t looking for love… but a surprising friendship with Mr. Darcy begins to change everything.
One co-host is ready to be buried with this book, while the other wrestles with why this variation didn’t quite click for her. Their conversation dives into how personal taste shapes reading experiences, and why there’s room for every kind of reader (and variation) in the P&P universe!
We don’t always agree on enjoyment of books we read, but that’s half the fun. Whether you’re Team “Bury Me With This Book” or Team “I'm Not Mad At It,” we hope you’ll enjoy the ride.
🎵 Music Credit:
Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.
📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!
➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!
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Betrothed to Mr Darcy - By Lin Mei Wei
What if a single rumor about a duel that never happened was enough to upend Elizabeth Bennet’s life and tie her fate to Mr. Darcy?
In this episode, we dive into Betrothed to Mr. Darcy by Lin Mei Wei, a variation that begins with a scandal and unfolds into a surprisingly tender (and occasionally bonkers) love story. With a marriage rooted in obligation, Elizabeth’s feelings build slowly but hit hard. And as for Darcy, he’s already quietly smitten...but definitely feeling insecure!
We explore the novel’s unique blend of romantic tension, high society intrigue, and emotional depth, including covert letters, generational trauma, and one very memorable library scene. Plus, we reflect on the sprawling (and messy) Darcy family, the burden of guardianship, and how sheltered both Elizabeth and Georgiana really are.
Also: fanfic tangents, spicy scenes, and Sharon’s head-canon Lizzy in all her confident glory.
🎵 Music Credit:
Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme composed, performed, and arranged by Megan Mason.
📚 Curious what we will be reading next? See a list of upcoming books at prideandprejudicebookclub.com!
➡️ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.prideandprejudicebookclub.com/newsletter!
Welcome to the Pride & Prejudice Book Club, where we discuss variations, alternate universes, and fan fiction versions of Jane Austen’s masterpiece Pride & Prejudice! Enjoy a new book (and discussion) every week. Spoiler warning: this is a book club, so we’re going to assume that you’ve read the book....
Ireland